PERFECT MATCH: WHEN BOLLYWOOD MEETS UAE

How Deepika, Ranveer, Virat and Anushka are using their star power to boost tourism in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

Bollywood is impossible to resist — the catchy songs, the spectacular dance numbers, the sheer energy that fills every frame.

And having covered the glitzy, glossy Bollywood beat for more than 20 years, I've seen these perfectly sculpted stars shape dreams, cities, and even entire industries. What makes it even more interesting is that UAE has been paying close attention and seems to have figured out exactly how to tap into that magic and star dust.

Forget ordinary ads — Bollywood seems to be taking over the UAE's tourism scene. Yesterday, Abu Dhabi announced its newest faces for Experience Abu Dhabi: none other than Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, the city's latest power couple. Together, they'll show millions of fans the emirate's mix of culture, luxury, and adventure, proving once again that when Bollywood meets the UAE, it's a perfect match.

BIGGEST PUNCH

They are fast proving that when it comes to attracting Indian tourists and global wanderlust fans, Bollywood still packs the biggest punch.

But let's face it: Bollywood's influence on travel isn't new. Shah Rukh Khan made Dubai aspirational in the 2000s with his films, appearances, and yes, glimpses of his lavish villa.